Modi, Obama to discuss ways to boost strategic partnership?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama would discuss a range of issues, including ways to accelerate economic growth and bolster security cooperation to deepen the US-India strategic partnership, at their maiden summit meeting on Tuesday.

Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama would discuss a range of issues, including ways to accelerate economic growth and bolster security cooperation to deepen the US-India strategic partnership, at their maiden summit meeting on Tuesday.

"The two leaders will discuss ways to accelerate economic growth, bolster security cooperation, and collaborate in activities that bring long-term benefits to both countries and the world," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.

Modi and Obama will also focus on regional issues, including current developments in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, where India and the US can work together with partners toward a positive outcome, he added.

"The President looks forward to working with the Prime Minister to fulfill the promise of the US-India strategic partnership for the benefit of both our citizens and the world," Earnest said, adding that Vice President Joe Biden will also participate in the meeting.

Later in the afternoon, Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry would host Modi and the visiting Indian delegation for an official lunch at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the White House.

Human rights issues may also come up for discussion in the meeting between both the leaders.

"The issue of basic universal human rights is something that is frequently discussed in the President's meetings with world leaders around the globe.

"So I don't have anything specific to say about this particular meeting, but I wouldn't be surprised if this issue that we considered to be a priority in our relations with countries all around the world is raised in the context of the meetings over the next couple of days," said Earnest.

He was responding to questions about the various human rights bodies urging the US President to raise the issues of freedom of religion and human rights in his meeting with Modi.